Better Button Design for More Clicks
TL;DR:
- Make buttons look like buttons with solid colours and clear text
- Skip abstract designs like ghost buttons and vague outlines
- Use high contrast between button and background colours
- Add plenty of white space around buttons so they stand out
- Keep hover effects simple – a colour change or subtle shadow works best
Good button design comes down to one thing: making it obvious what users can click on. When buttons blend into your design or look decorative rather than functional, people miss them entirely.
Why Button Clarity Beats Creative Flair
Your buttons need to work first and look pretty second. Users scan websites quickly, looking for ways to take action. If your buttons don't immediately scream "click me," you're losing conversions.
The biggest mistake is treating buttons like design elements instead of functional tools. Abstract styles might win design awards, but they don't help users complete tasks or make purchases.
What Makes Buttons Work
Solid Colours Beat Outlines
Ghost buttons and outlined styles were trendy a few years back, but they create problems. Users often can't tell if they're clickable or just decorative elements. Solid, contrasting colours remove any guesswork.
High Contrast Is Non-Negotiable
Your button colour should stand out clearly from your background. If you're squinting to see the difference, your users definitely can't spot it. This isn't just about aesthetics – it's about accessibility too.
Give Buttons Room to Breathe
Cramped buttons get ignored. Add generous padding inside the button and plenty of white space around it. This makes buttons easier to spot and tap on mobile devices.
Keep Hover Effects Simple
Complicated animations and transitions can slow down your site and confuse users. A simple colour change or subtle shadow on hover is enough to show the button is interactive.
Common Button Mistakes to Avoid
The worst button designs share similar problems. They either look too much like regular text, blend into the background, or use colours that don't contrast enough with surrounding elements.
Vague wording is another killer. "Learn more" or "Click here" doesn't tell users what happens next. Be specific about what action they're taking.
TL;DR:
- Button design should prioritise clarity and ease of use
- Avoid using abstract styles like ghost styles and vague outlines
- High-contrast and clear text ensure buttons are easily identifiable
- Ample space around buttons helps them stand out and improves usability
FAQs
Why is it important for buttons to look like buttons in web design?
Buttons need to be easily identifiable so users can navigate your website and take action without confusion. When buttons don't look clickable, conversion rates drop.
What are some common mistakes to avoid in button design?
The biggest mistakes are using abstract styles, vague outlines, or low-contrast designs that blend into the background. These make buttons hard to spot and reduce user interaction.
How can I make my buttons stand out on a webpage?
Use solid, contrasting colours with clear text. Make sure there's high contrast with the background and add plenty of white space around each button.
Jargon Buster
Button Design: How buttons look on a website, including their colour, shape, size, text, and how they fit with the overall design.
Call to Action (CTA) Design: The design and positioning of elements, usually buttons, that prompt users to take specific actions on your site.
Ghost Styles: Minimalistic button design with a transparent background and basic outline – often harder for users to identify as clickable.
Hover Effects: Visual changes that happen when users move their cursor over a button, showing that it's interactive.
Wrap-up
Button design should never sacrifice function for form. Clear, high-contrast, recognisable buttons help users navigate your site and complete the actions you want them to take. Every button should make it obvious what will happen when someone clicks it.
Strong button design isn't about following trends – it's about removing friction from the user experience and making your website easier to use.
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